French dignitaries visit Abbey Delray to honor WWII veterans

April 20, 2011|David DiPino dddipino@tribune.com

Representatives of the French government, led by the consul general of the Republic of France, Gael de Maisonneuve, recently visited Abbey Delray North to honor 17 World War II veterans. The veterans received the Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor, the nation's highest honor for military and civil service on behalf of France.

De Maisonneuve is participating in an effort to honor Florida residents who played a role in the liberation of France during World War II. "The Republic of France started this, and I've received all files of veterans throughout Florida," he said. "We'll give out as many medals as soldiers that qualify."

France has been bestowing the Legion of Honor on U.S. veterans since 2004. "It's a big, warm thank you from the people of France," de Maisonneuve said. "We're building this bridge between France and America."

William Martin, 90, was a platoon sergeant when he landed on Anzio Beach in southern France in February 1944. An Abbey Delray North resident, Martin said of that experience, "I'm glad it's over." But he said he appreciated the effort that France has made to recognize members of the Armed Services who repelled the German forces that occupied the country during much of the war.

"I'm glad the French are here doing this," he said.

Tom Kaiser served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and has spent much of the past year helping veterans get their medals.

Kaiser has been the liaison between the French government and local veterans. He worked with Abbey Delray North's executive director, Shawn Perrigo, to host the recent event. Abbey Delray North provided the venue and popped the bubbly at the party after the ceremony, as several cases of champagne were poured and enjoyed by both French officials and veterans.

Kaiser said three more presentations are planned for this year. The next one will be at the South Florida VA National Cemetery in Lake Worth on May 29. In addition, on Sept. 2 and Dec. 9, in conjunction with the Boynton Veterans Council, Kaiser and the Republic of France will award medals at the Boynton Beach Memorial Park, 1611 S. Seacrest Blvd.

De Maissoneuve said he wants veterans who haven't received the award to apply. Those who do so will undergo background checks that entail communication between the French offices in Miami, Washington, D.C., and Paris.

At the recent ceremony, Leo J. Conley came all the way from Stuart to receive his medal. "I was approached three years ago," he said. "During World War II, I flew out of an emergency air strip in France that's now a row of crosses marking U.S. soldiers lost in France. I'm very appreciative of this honor."